The Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program has officially started!
New kayak launch facility enabling disabled access to paddling on Edward River. Support for improved safety and access for aging boaters and boaters with disabilities to NSW waterways is made possible through Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program.
Calls for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) opened in early November for potential applicants, including councils and community groups.
The $23 million Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program is a sub-program funded under the $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme (BIDS) announced in August 2024.
The Program seeks to improve boating access to NSW waterways, enhance the boating experience and upgrade facilities for the safe enjoyment of the recreational and commercial boating community.
The Program responds to the findings of the Boating Now Program Review which was completed in late 2023, with a strong focus on improved all ability boating access to the water and enhanced environmental outcomes from boating infrastructure.
Projects that can be funded include public boat ramps, pontoons, wharves, kayak launches, dinghy storage facilities, local dredging for access to boating facilities, pump-outs and supporting assets and investigations.
The Registration of Interest stage is the first of two stages in the Program’s application process. It seeks to provide feedback to potential applicants, especially those who may not be as experienced in planning for and delivering boating infrastructure, on their project plans and scope.
Potential applicants are encouraged submit their Registrations of Interest before 12PM 19 December 2024 when ROI submissions close. It is mandatory for potential applicants to submit a ROI in order to be progress to the Formal Application stage.
During the formal assessment stage, submissions from applicants will be assessed against four key criteria:
- Direct benefits to current or potential boaters: what is the positive impact the project would have for public boating community, especially boaters with mobility impairments, as well as the environmental outcomes achieved from the project?
- Strategic alignment with the Maritime Infrastructure Plan: how does the proposal help achieve the outcomes identified within the Maritime Infrastructure Plan?
- Delivery confidence: how credible and actionable is the plan to deliver the project and have all factors and risks been accounted for a successful project and outcome for the community?
- Cost and affordability: how much funding has been requested from the program and what is the cost of the project relative to the anticipated benefits to be delivered?
More information is available on the Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme webpage, including program guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions.
Alternatively, the Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office can be contacted via for more information.
